KSA intensifies efforts to block illegal gambling apps in Netherlands

In an update published yesterday (7 April), KSA has again encouraged consumers to report any suspicious apps. This, it said, will support its ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal operators targeting Dutch players.

According to the regulator, illegal apps are becoming an “increasingly urgent” problem in the country. The KSA also said the number of unapproved apps is increasing, adding they are easy to access by vulnerable people.

“These websites are often also accessible to minors,” KSA said. “This makes the situation even more worrying. Many of these apps are advertised via social media.”

Illegal operators using ‘underhand’ techniques

The regulator went on to raise awareness of the techniques illegal operators are using to target players.

This includes using the logos of licensed providers to pass off their app as being approved in the Netherlands. KSA offers one recent example where an unnamed app was reported in Apple’s App Store for misusing Holland Casino’s logo.

The regulator also flagged how some operators are tricking users into downloading their app by promoting non-gambling games such as plinko. However, once the app is downloaded, it then links players to illegal gambling websites.

“It’s very important to the KSA that consumers continue to report apps,” KSA said. “When reporting gambling advertising, it is essential that the name of the app in question that is being advertised is mentioned in the report.”

Regulator working with industry to tackle illegal gambling

The regulator also referenced the support of industry associations and licensed casinos. It said working in partnership with other, approved parties is helping it tackle illegal websites and apps.

With this, KSA referenced Meld Vals Spel, a platform set up by the industry to report illegal gambling sites. Reports that come in via that platform are also investigated by the KSA.

“KSA has working agreements with app stores to report illegal apps to them and then have them removed,” the regulator added.